Lutherische Theologische Hochschule Oberursel

Hessen, Germany

About Lutherische Theologische Hochschule Oberursel

The Lutherische Theologische Hochschule Oberursel (LThH) is a small, state-recognised ecclesiastical university in Oberursel, Hessen, operated by the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK). Founded in 1948 as the successor to two earlier Lutheran seminaries (one in Breslau, one in Kleinmachnow), it was granted state recognition by the Hessian Ministry of Culture in 1955.

The institution offers two accredited degree programmes in Evangelical Theology: one leading to the church examination (Kirchliches Examen) for pastoral ministry within SELK, and one awarding the Magister/Magistra Theologiae. The curriculum covers the five classical theological disciplines — Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, and Practical Theology — together with ancient languages (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) and supplementary fields including missiology, diaconal studies, and ecumenical theology.

With only around 14 enrolled students as of winter semester 2024/25 and five professors, LThH is among the smallest universities in Germany. Its campus in the Taunus foothills offers on-site residential accommodation and is connected to Frankfurt and Mainz by public transport.

Key facts

Founded: 1948
Students: 14
Faculties: 5

One of Germany's smallest universities, with approximately 14 students and 5 full professors as of WS 2024/25

State-recognised ecclesiastical university founded in 1948 by the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK)

Two accredited programmes: Kirchliches Examen (pastoral ministry) and Magister/Magistra Theologiae

Member of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) and the Evangelical-Theological Faculty Conference

Low tuition of €180/semester for main students; on-campus accommodation from €240/month

Located in Oberursel (Taunus), ~20 minutes by S-Bahn from Frankfurt am Main

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Tuition for main enrolled students (Haupthörer) is €180 per semester — well below typical German university semester contributions. Additional fees include: initial enrolment €25, library fee €25/semester, AStA contribution €8/semester, and an optional RMV public-transit semester ticket (€217.80). On-campus housing is available from €240–€320/month (single rooms) or €500–€525/month (apartments), utilities included. No separate non-EU surcharge is published; the institution is eligible for German BAföG support.

Admission requirements

Admission requires the German Hochschulreife (Abitur) or an equivalent higher education entrance qualification. Both degree programmes are in German; a strong command of German is expected. International applicants from India, China, or Vietnam must hold an APS certificate before applying. Prospective students should contact the administration directly ([email protected]) for individual assessment, as the institution is very small and does not publish a formal online application portal.

Languages of instruction

German (all programmes taught in German; ancient-language courses in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin are part of the curriculum)

Campuses & locations

Oberursel Campus

Altkönigstraße 150, 61440 Oberursel (Taunus), Hessen — single residential campus with student accommodation

Living in Hessen

Oberursel (Taunus) is a town of approximately 47,000 residents in the Hochtaunuskreis district, situated about 12 km north of Frankfurt am Main. It lies at the foot of the Taunus hills and is well connected to Frankfurt by S-Bahn (S5 line, ~20 minutes). The town offers a quiet, residential character compared to the nearby city, with access to hiking trails in the Taunus nature park.

Student life & support

Campus life is shaped by the institution's church character: regular Lutheran worship services, theological seminars open to the public, and a close-knit community of staff and students sharing living and learning spaces. On-campus residential halls foster daily interaction. The small cohort size means intensive mentoring and direct access to professors. Frankfurt am Main is easily reachable for broader cultural and social activities.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Magister

Kirchlicher Abschluss